Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method, comprising: receiving, with a computer processor of a controller via an input device communicating with the computer processor, a preservation status input from a user indicative of whether or not to preserve a virtual local area network (VLAN) tag in a header of a data packet transmitted within an Ethernet local area network (E-LAN), the VLAN tag identifying at least one of customer information and service provider information for the data packet in the E-LAN, wherein the E-LAN comprises network devices having physical ports interconnected with communication links, and wherein the E-LAN is configured to allow multiple customers use of an individual physical port; determining, with the computer processor of the controller, a scalable network-wide service configuration model having multiple predetermined rules for automatically configuring the physical ports of the network devices for the E-LAN based on the preservation status input from the user; and transmitting a series of signals by the computer processor via an output device communicating with the computer processor to configure automatically, with the controller, the physical ports of the network devices using the predetermined rules of the configuration model, wherein the predetermined rules are chosen from a group of actions consisting of: editing customer and service provider VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; preserving customer and service provider VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; editing customer VLAN tags but preserving service provider VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; editing service provider VLAN tags but preserving customer VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; and maintaining an empty status of the VLAN tags, wherein the chosen actions for the predetermined rules include predetermined rules for the reversal of the actions upon egress of the data packet from the E-LAN.
This invention relates to network configuration in Ethernet local area networks (E-LANs) where multiple customers share individual physical ports. The problem addressed is managing virtual local area network (VLAN) tags in data packet headers to ensure proper handling of customer and service provider information. VLAN tags identify customer and service provider data, and their preservation or modification affects network traffic routing and service delivery. The method involves a controller that receives a user input specifying whether to preserve or modify VLAN tags in data packets transmitted within the E-LAN. The controller determines a scalable network-wide configuration model with predefined rules for automatically configuring physical ports of network devices based on the user's input. The rules dictate actions such as editing or preserving customer and service provider VLAN tags, or selectively modifying one while preserving the other. The rules also include reversal actions for when data packets exit the E-LAN. The controller then transmits signals to configure the physical ports according to these rules, ensuring consistent VLAN tag handling across the network. This approach simplifies network management by automating port configurations while maintaining flexibility in VLAN tag handling for different service requirements.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the physical ports include a first physical port configured to read a single VLAN tag.
A system and method for network communication involves managing physical ports in a network device to handle virtual local area network (VLAN) traffic. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently processing VLAN-tagged packets in a network environment where multiple VLANs are used to segment traffic. The method includes configuring physical ports to read and interpret VLAN tags embedded in network packets. Specifically, one of the physical ports is designed to read a single VLAN tag, allowing the network device to identify and route packets based on their VLAN identifiers. This configuration ensures proper traffic segmentation and prevents misrouting of packets between different VLANs. The system may also include additional ports configured to handle multiple VLAN tags or other network protocols, depending on the network's requirements. The method ensures that packets are correctly processed and forwarded according to their VLAN assignments, improving network performance and security. The solution is particularly useful in enterprise networks, data centers, and other environments where VLAN segmentation is critical for traffic management.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the physical ports include a first physical port configured to conform to rules set forth in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard identified as 802.1Q.
A system and method for managing network traffic through physical ports in a network device, particularly addressing the need for efficient and standardized traffic handling. The invention involves a network device with multiple physical ports, each configured to process network traffic according to specific communication protocols. At least one of these ports is designed to comply with the IEEE 802.1Q standard, which defines virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging for network traffic segmentation and prioritization. The network device dynamically assigns traffic to these ports based on predefined rules, ensuring proper handling of different types of network data. The system may also include mechanisms to monitor and adjust traffic flow to optimize performance and prevent congestion. This approach enhances network efficiency by leveraging standardized protocols while allowing flexible traffic management. The invention is particularly useful in environments requiring high-performance, scalable, and reliable network communication, such as data centers, enterprise networks, and telecommunications infrastructure.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the physical ports include a first physical port configured to read multiple VLAN tags.
A system and method for network communication involves managing physical ports in a network device to handle multiple VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tags. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently processing network traffic with complex VLAN tagging requirements, which can be common in enterprise or data center environments where multiple virtual networks must coexist on shared physical infrastructure. The method includes configuring a network device with physical ports that can read and interpret multiple VLAN tags, allowing the device to distinguish and route traffic from different virtual networks accurately. This capability is particularly useful in scenarios where a single physical port must support multiple VLANs, such as in trunking configurations or when aggregating traffic from different network segments. The system may also include additional features such as dynamic port configuration, traffic prioritization, and error handling to ensure reliable and efficient network operations. By enabling a single physical port to read multiple VLAN tags, the invention simplifies network management, reduces hardware complexity, and improves scalability in network deployments.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the physical ports include a first physical port configured to conform to rules set forth in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard identified as IEEE 802.1ad.
This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and routing data traffic in multi-port network devices. The method involves configuring physical ports in a network device to handle data packets according to specific communication standards. One of the physical ports is designed to comply with the IEEE 802.1ad standard, which defines protocols for provider bridging and virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging. This port is used to process and forward data packets that include VLAN tags, ensuring proper segmentation and prioritization of network traffic. The method also includes mechanisms for dynamically adjusting port configurations based on network conditions, optimizing bandwidth usage, and reducing latency. By adhering to the IEEE 802.1ad standard, the system ensures interoperability with other compliant devices while maintaining high-performance data transmission. The invention is particularly useful in enterprise networks, data centers, and service provider environments where efficient traffic management is critical. The solution enhances network reliability, scalability, and security by enforcing standardized protocols and adaptive port configurations.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the VLAN tag comprises a customer VLAN tag and/or a service provider VLAN tag, and wherein the preservation status input comprises two preservation status orders chosen from a group consisting of: preserving the service provider VLAN tag, preserving the customer VLAN tag, not preserving the service provider VLAN tag, and not preserving the customer VLAN tag.
This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically methods for managing Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tags in packet forwarding. The problem addressed is the need to selectively preserve or remove VLAN tags, particularly in scenarios where packets traverse both customer and service provider networks. VLAN tags are used to identify and manage network traffic, but different network segments may require different handling of these tags. The method involves processing a packet that includes a VLAN tag, which may be a customer VLAN tag, a service provider VLAN tag, or both. The method determines how to handle these tags based on a preservation status input, which specifies two preservation status orders. These orders define whether to preserve or remove the service provider VLAN tag and the customer VLAN tag. The possible preservation status orders include preserving the service provider VLAN tag, preserving the customer VLAN tag, not preserving the service provider VLAN tag, and not preserving the customer VLAN tag. The method then processes the packet according to these preservation status orders, ensuring that the VLAN tags are handled appropriately as the packet moves through the network. This selective preservation or removal of VLAN tags allows for flexible and efficient network traffic management, particularly in environments where different network segments require different VLAN tag handling.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the physical ports is an ingress port and the step of configuring automatically, with the controller, the physical ports of the network devices using the predetermined rules of the configuration model further comprises configuring the ingress port to edit the VLAN tag to comply with predetermined rules of the configuration model.
This invention relates to network configuration management, specifically automating the setup of physical ports on network devices to ensure compliance with predefined rules in a configuration model. The problem addressed is the need for consistent and automated network port configuration, particularly for ingress ports that handle incoming traffic with VLAN (Virtual LAN) tags. Traditional manual configuration is error-prone and inefficient, leading to misconfigurations that disrupt network operations. The method involves a controller that automatically configures physical ports on network devices based on a configuration model containing predetermined rules. For at least one ingress port, the controller edits the VLAN tag of incoming traffic to ensure it complies with these rules. This ensures that traffic entering the network is properly classified and managed according to the predefined standards, improving network reliability and security. The configuration model may include rules for VLAN tagging, port roles, and other network policies, ensuring uniformity across the network infrastructure. The automated approach reduces human intervention, minimizes errors, and maintains consistent network behavior. This solution is particularly useful in large-scale networks where manual configuration is impractical and where compliance with specific VLAN tagging rules is critical for traffic management and security.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the physical ports is an egress port and the step of configuring automatically, with the controller, the physical ports of the network devices using the predetermined rules of the configuration model further comprises configuring the egress port to edit the VLAN tag to comply with predetermined rules of the configuration model.
This invention relates to network device configuration, specifically automating the setup of physical ports in a network to ensure compliance with predefined rules. The problem addressed is the need for consistent and automated configuration of network ports, particularly when handling VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tags, to maintain proper network segmentation and traffic management. The method involves a controller that automatically configures physical ports on network devices based on a configuration model. The configuration model defines predetermined rules for port behavior, including how VLAN tags should be processed. At least one of the physical ports is designated as an egress port, which is responsible for forwarding traffic out of a network segment. The controller configures this egress port to modify or edit VLAN tags according to the rules specified in the configuration model. This ensures that traffic leaving the network adheres to the intended VLAN policies, preventing misrouting or security vulnerabilities. The automated configuration process eliminates manual errors and ensures uniformity across multiple network devices. The ability to dynamically adjust VLAN tagging at egress ports allows for flexible network management while maintaining compliance with predefined policies. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks where consistent port behavior is critical for performance and security.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein configuring automatically, with the controller, the physical ports of the network devices using the predetermined rules of the configuration model, further comprises, determining for each physical port whether the physical port is configured to read multiple VLAN tags in the data packet or a single VLAN tag in the data packet.
This invention relates to network device configuration, specifically automating the setup of physical ports in network devices based on predefined rules in a configuration model. The problem addressed is the manual and error-prone process of configuring network ports, particularly in handling VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tagging, which is critical for network segmentation and traffic management. The method involves automatically configuring physical ports of network devices using a configuration model that defines predetermined rules. A key aspect is determining whether each physical port should be set to read multiple VLAN tags or a single VLAN tag in data packets. This distinction is important because some network environments require support for multiple VLAN tags (e.g., QinQ or stacked VLANs), while others only need single-tag processing. The configuration model ensures that ports are correctly set up to handle the appropriate VLAN tagging scheme, improving network efficiency and reducing misconfigurations. The method may also include other automated configuration steps, such as assigning VLAN IDs, enabling or disabling port features, and applying security policies. The use of a configuration model allows for consistent and scalable deployment across multiple network devices, reducing administrative overhead and minimizing human error. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks where manual configuration would be impractical.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein configuring automatically, with the controller, the physical ports of the network devices using the predetermined rules of the configuration model, further comprises: determining that one of the physical ports is configured to read only an outer VLAN tag in the data packet; and configuring the physical port using the predetermined rules of the configuration model for the outer VLAN tag.
This invention relates to network device configuration, specifically automating the setup of physical ports in network devices based on predefined rules in a configuration model. The problem addressed is the manual and error-prone process of configuring network ports, particularly when handling VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tags in data packets. The method involves a controller that automatically configures physical ports of network devices using a configuration model with predetermined rules. For ports that are set to read only the outer VLAN tag in a data packet, the controller applies specific rules from the configuration model to configure that port accordingly. This ensures consistent and accurate port settings without manual intervention, reducing configuration errors and improving network efficiency. The solution is particularly useful in environments where network devices must handle multi-tagged VLAN packets, ensuring proper tag processing at each port. The automation streamlines network management and maintains compliance with predefined network policies.
11. A system, comprising: an Ethernet local area network (E-LAN) comprising a plurality of network devices having physical ports interconnected with communication links, wherein the E-LAN is configured to allow multiple customers use of an individual physical port; and a controller having an input device, an output device, and a computer processor, the computer processor receiving a preservation status input from a user via the input device, the preservation status input indicative of whether or not to preserve a virtual local area network (VLAN) tag in a header of a data packet transmitted within the E-LAN, the VLAN tag identifying at least one of customer information and service provider information for the data packet in the E-LAN; wherein the computer processor of the controller determines a scalable network-wide service configuration model having multiple predetermined rules for automatically configuring the physical ports of the network devices for the E-LAN based on the preservation status input from the user, and automatically transmits a series of signals via the output device, the series of signals having information that upon receipt by network devices configures the physical ports of the network devices using the predetermined rules of the configuration model, wherein the predetermined rules are chosen from a group of actions consisting of: editing customer and service provider VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; preserving customer and service provider VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; editing customer VLAN tags but preserving service provider VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; editing service provider VLAN tags but preserving customer VLAN tags for data packets coming into the E-LAN; and maintaining an empty status of the VLAN tags, wherein the chosen actions for the predetermined rules include predetermined rules for the reversal of the actions upon egress of the data packet from the E-LAN.
The system involves an Ethernet local area network (E-LAN) with multiple interconnected network devices, each having physical ports that support shared use by multiple customers. A controller with input and output devices and a computer processor receives a user input specifying whether to preserve or modify virtual local area network (VLAN) tags in data packet headers. These VLAN tags carry customer and service provider information. The controller determines a scalable network-wide configuration model with predefined rules for automatically configuring the physical ports based on the user input. The rules dictate how VLAN tags are handled for incoming data packets, including options to edit or preserve customer and service provider tags, or modify only one while preserving the other. The rules also include reversal actions for outgoing data packets. The controller transmits configuration signals to the network devices, applying the rules to ensure proper VLAN tag handling across the E-LAN. This system enables flexible and automated management of VLAN tagging in multi-tenant network environments, ensuring correct routing and service differentiation.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the VLAN tag comprises a customer VLAN tag and/or a service provider VLAN tag, and wherein the preservation status input comprises two preservation status orders chosen from a group consisting of: preserving the service provider VLAN tag, preserving the customer VLAN tag, not preserving the service provider VLAN tag, and not preserving the customer VLAN tag.
In the field of network communication, particularly in virtual local area network (VLAN) management, a system is designed to handle VLAN tags in data packets to ensure proper routing and service differentiation. The system processes VLAN tags, which include both customer VLAN tags (used by end-users) and service provider VLAN tags (used by network operators). A key challenge is managing these tags when packets traverse different network segments, where certain tags may need to be preserved or removed to maintain service integrity. The system includes a mechanism to accept a preservation status input that specifies how to handle these tags. The preservation status can be configured in various combinations, such as preserving the service provider VLAN tag while removing the customer VLAN tag, preserving both tags, or removing both. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to different network architectures and service requirements, ensuring that packets are correctly processed without unnecessary tagging overhead. The system dynamically applies these rules to incoming packets, modifying or retaining the VLAN tags based on the specified preservation orders. This approach enhances network efficiency and service reliability by preventing misrouting or service disruptions caused by improper tag handling.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the physical ports is an ingress port and the controller automatically configures the ingress port to edit the VLAN tag to comply with predetermined rules of the configuration model.
A system for managing network traffic in a data center or enterprise network environment addresses the challenge of efficiently handling virtual local area network (VLAN) tagging across multiple physical ports. The system includes a controller that dynamically configures network ports to ensure VLAN tags on incoming data packets are edited according to predefined rules. These rules are part of a configuration model that defines how VLAN tags should be modified to maintain network segmentation, security policies, or traffic prioritization. The controller automatically adjusts the configuration of at least one ingress port to modify VLAN tags on incoming packets, ensuring compliance with the network's operational requirements. This automation reduces manual configuration errors and improves network consistency. The system may also include multiple physical ports, each capable of being configured as ingress or egress ports, and may support additional features such as traffic monitoring or policy enforcement. The dynamic VLAN tag editing ensures seamless integration with existing network infrastructure while maintaining security and performance standards.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the physical ports is an egress port and the controller automatically configures the egress port to edit the VLAN tag to comply with predetermined rules of the configuration model.
This invention relates to network systems that manage and configure virtual local area network (VLAN) tags within a network infrastructure. The problem addressed is the need for automated and rule-based configuration of VLAN tags, particularly at egress ports, to ensure compliance with predefined network policies and models. The system includes a controller that dynamically configures network ports, with at least one port designated as an egress port. The controller automatically edits VLAN tags on data packets passing through the egress port to ensure they adhere to predetermined rules defined in a configuration model. These rules may include tag modifications, additions, or removals based on network policies, security requirements, or traffic management objectives. The system ensures consistent VLAN tagging across the network, reducing manual configuration errors and improving network performance and security. The configuration model may include predefined rules for VLAN tag editing, such as tag rewriting, stripping, or insertion, based on factors like source/destination addresses, traffic type, or port roles. The controller applies these rules in real-time, allowing for flexible and scalable VLAN management without manual intervention. This automation is particularly useful in large or complex networks where manual tag configuration would be impractical or error-prone. The system enhances network reliability and simplifies compliance with organizational or regulatory standards.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller automatically configuring the physical ports includes the controller determining for each physical port whether the physical port is configured to read multiple VLAN tags in the data packet or a single VLAN tag in the data packet.
This invention relates to network systems that manage data packet processing, specifically focusing on the configuration of physical ports to handle VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tagging in data packets. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and automated configuration of network ports to correctly interpret and process packets with varying VLAN tag structures, ensuring proper routing and security in network communications. The system includes a controller that automatically configures physical ports to determine whether each port should read multiple VLAN tags or a single VLAN tag in incoming data packets. This configuration is crucial for networks where packets may carry nested VLAN tags (e.g., Q-in-Q tunneling) or standard single-tag VLAN configurations. The controller dynamically adjusts port settings based on network requirements, optimizing performance and reducing manual intervention. The system ensures that packets are correctly parsed and forwarded by configuring ports to either extract and process multiple VLAN tags (for advanced networking scenarios) or a single VLAN tag (for simpler setups). This adaptability enhances network flexibility and compatibility with different VLAN architectures, improving efficiency in packet handling and reducing misrouting errors. The automated configuration minimizes administrative overhead while maintaining accurate packet processing.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller automatically configuring the physical ports includes determining that one of the physical ports is configured to read only an outer VLAN tag in the data packet and configuring the physical port using the predetermined rules of the configuration model for the outer VLAN tag.
This invention relates to network systems that manage data packet processing through physical ports, particularly in environments where VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tagging is used. The problem addressed is the need for automated and rule-based configuration of physical ports to handle VLAN-tagged data packets efficiently, ensuring proper processing of outer VLAN tags while maintaining network performance and security. The system includes a controller that automatically configures physical ports based on predetermined rules stored in a configuration model. The controller determines that a specific physical port is designated to read only the outer VLAN tag in incoming data packets. Upon this determination, the controller applies the predefined rules from the configuration model to configure the port accordingly. This ensures that the port processes packets with outer VLAN tags in a standardized manner, improving network traffic management and reducing manual configuration errors. The configuration model contains rules that define how ports should handle VLAN tags, including whether to read only the outer tag or additional tags. The automated configuration process eliminates the need for manual intervention, streamlining network setup and maintenance. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks where consistent port behavior is critical for maintaining data integrity and network efficiency. The system enhances scalability and adaptability in dynamic network environments.
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September 24, 2019
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